If you’re wanting to find a new, successful career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the fastest-growing careers offered, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which estimates careers in this industry will expand by 13 percent by 2028.

There are several reasons why these jobs are growing so quickly. One is homeowners using government incentives to get more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which influences old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot real estate market and a home shortage that’s driven a bump in new construction houses.

One of the most needed jobs is working as an HVAC technician. Discover about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to receive.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is an individual who fixes, installs and maintains heating and cooling systems. Most serve both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be knowledgeable about:

Some are HVAC-R techs, which means they also can take care of refrigeration.

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

While HVAC can be physically difficult, it can also be very satisfying. As a technician you’ll need to be able to:

  • Work in extreme settings, including small or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas as equipment is often outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak demand.

One of the most typical misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar position. You have to have a distinct skill set, in-depth instruction and ongoing qualifications.

It’s an excellent career option if you want to:

  • Not have heavy amounts of student debt.
  • Avoid sitting at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Work as your own boss and run your own prosperous business.

How You Can Start Your Careers as an HVAC Professional

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive instruction. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically need extra instruction or qualifications.

You can become certified by taking classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician is linked to the program, which is often six months to two years. Your employer may also require NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this industry-leading accreditation expands your technical expertise to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer reports that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in big demand as equipment evolves.

Another advantage of working in HVAC is little to no educational debt.

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school usually runs around $15,000. A community college typically is around $5,000 annually. In contrast, the average student debt for a bachelor’s degree is $25,921.

A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on where you work. If you do repairs, you could work early, late or be on call. If you work in construction/home building or management, you could have more of a fixed schedule during normal business hours.

As a technician, you’ll respond to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation service. Some tasks might need more time than others, so the number of calls you can go on could vary.

As we went over previously, you should be used to working outdoors in extreme weather, as well as in dirty or cramped spaces. If you work in a customer-facing role, strong customer service skills are always a plus.

Average Salary for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Similar HVAC Jobs

Since HVAC is a fast-growing industry, your salary will show it. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is $49,242, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners get between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries might differ based on your location and its cost of living.

Other than having your own business, there are a wide range of extra career opportunities. These can be:

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where Are HVAC Technicians in High Demand?

HVAC technicians are desired across the country, but even more so in Florida, California, Texas, New York and Illinois. According to hvacclasses.org, these states employ the highest number of HVAC workers and are dealing with high construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, education and healthcare facilities.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility projects.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure updates.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure updates.
  • Illinois: Companies moving to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who develops long-term occupational projections, forecasts these states to have the highest demand for technicians by 2028:

  1. Utah, 31.1%
  2. Colorado, 29.7%
  3. Nevada, 27.9%
  4. Arizona, 21.4%
  5. Iowa, Oregon and Montana, 18.5%
  6. Arkansas, 16.3%
  7. Florida, 16.2%
  8. South Carolina, 16%
  9. Texas, 15.9%
  10. Idaho, 15.7%
  11. Washington, 15.6%
  12. North Carolina, 15.5%
  13. Tennessee, 15.2%
  14. Wyoming, 14.3%
  15. Nebraska, 13.9%
  16. Indiana, 13.8%
  17. North Dakota, 13.8%

Here’s where the biggest number of new positions during that time frame are expected to be:

  1. Florida, 5,420
  2. Texas, 5,530
  3. California, 4,100
  4. North Carolina, 2,510
  5. New York, 2,290
  6. Colorado, 2,000
  7. Ohio, 1,550
  8. Pennsylvania, 1,510
  9. Virginia, 1,500
  10. Tennessee, 1,360
  11. Washington, 1,290
  12. Georgia, 1,270
  13. New Jersey, 1,170
  14. Utah, 1,170
  15. South Carolina, 1,1060
  16. Indiana, 940
  17. Maryland, 820
  18. Missouri and Arizona, 810
  19. Michigan, 780

Weather and economic development is expected to contribute to expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Kickstart a Career in HVAC with Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc

HVAC technicians are required across the nation and in Wisconsin Rapids. To learn more more about our openings, view our careers page or reach us at 715-301-0256 now!